Scary Noises

Artist: HEALTH
Song: "We Are Water"
Rating: A

I really like Los Angeles' HEALTH. I really like director Eric Wareheim, the TV comic also of the City of Angels who doubles as visionary music director. Doubt it? Click here, here and here. Then try the video above.

Wareheim's videos usually have a lot in common in with his TV show, "Tim and Eric, Awesome Show Great Job!" There's the peculiar pacing, cast with slightly-beneath-average looks and bright colors galore. "We Are Water" doesn't differ (except in terms of palette) but this is the first to ambiguously toggle between funny and disturbing, another important characteristic of his TV show.

I can't bring myself to laugh at the makeup-smeared "damsel"-in-distress flee from her tighty-whitey assailant. At least, not at first blow. It's only funny from a post-viewing perspective, long after one's initial nervous smiles have faded. If you do find this video funny at any given time, congrats; you're likely living in the more bizarre side of life. This is a weirdo litmus test.

The technical aspects are impressive in their own right - degraded colors, excellent cinematography (the superb second-to-last shot will be the most unsettling thing you see in music videos this year.) The creeping motion of the video aligns perfectly with the fast paced track.

I can't say this will be the weirdest thing you see this year, but it'll definitely make "Best Of" lists all across the blogosphere.